Harry Maguire has expressed admiration for former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, highlighting the “great ideas” the Portuguese coach had and the “credit” he deserves for the club’s recent trajectory.
Amorim was dismissed from his role in January, after which Darren Fletcher and later Michael Carrick took over as interim managers. Under Carrick’s guidance, the team has shown significant improvement as they vie for a Champions League spot this season.
Maguire commended Carrick’s efforts, particularly the “smooth” transition from a three-man defense to a back four, a change that hadn’t proven effective under Amorim.
“I don’t have much negative to say about Ruben,” Maguire said prior to a friendly match against Uruguay. “I really like Ruben; he has great ideas. It just didn’t quite mesh at Manchester United.
“I genuinely believe he’ll have a successful career ahead of him, and at his next club, he’ll likely secure many victories.”
“It just didn’t click or work out, and I think we, as players, also need to take a fair share of responsibility for that.”
“However, I believe he guided the club in a positive direction—he deserves a lot of credit for building a solid squad.”
Maguire favors a back four, which allows him to adopt a more aggressive, forward-thinking defensive style. The shift in formation has also reintroduced midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to the lineup.
The 20-year-old, who appeared likely to go out on loan back in January, is now aiming for a place on the World Cup squad after returning to the England setup after 18 months away.
Maguire said of the “magnificent” Mainoo, who is in talks regarding a new contract: “I’m confident he has areas to improve upon, and there’s still a lot of growth ahead of him at such a young age, especially considering what he’s experienced.”
“He’s faced quite a bit in his early career and has probably felt he needed to go out and get more playing time. To be back in the mix for a World Cup opportunity is a remarkable turnaround for him.”
Maguire is optimistic about reaching an agreement on a new contract with United but emphasized that he wouldn’t want to remain just for “sentimental” reasons.
Since Carrick stepped in as manager in January, the 33-year-old has been a consistent presence, helping the team climb to third in the Premier League while earning a recall to the national team.
Maguire is part of Thomas Tuchel’s final squad ahead of the World Cup, during which his contract with United is set to expire.
“I believe discussions regarding a new contract have taken place,” Maguire said. “I think we will come to an agreement that benefits both the club and myself.”
“What that arrangement will be, you’ll find out in the coming weeks. But I believe it will be resolved sooner rather than later, regardless of whether I stay or leave.”
When asked about his loyalty to United, he replied, “Absolutely, I love this club. But any decision must feel right for both me and the club.”
“I don’t want to stay purely for sentimental reasons. I want to remain because I believe I can contribute positively to the club’s progress, and they see me as an integral part of the future.”
If that’s the case, I’m sure we can work out a deal.”
Maguire also expressed his readiness to do whatever it takes to help England win the World Cup, admitting he had feared his international career might be over as he awaited news about the March training camp.
Despite being overlooked by England boss Tuchel in previous months, his impressive form with a revitalized United has marked the end of his 18-month hiatus from the international stage.
“I’ve played over 60 matches for England and attended three major tournaments, but when you’re consistently part of the setup, you might take it for granted,” Maguire reflected.
“Then, when it’s suddenly taken away, it hurts. Watching the team excel in qualifiers has been amazing, so receiving that call was a wonderful feeling.”
“I knew, honestly, that if I wasn’t in this training camp, I might not have returned to the England set-up with my recent form. I believe I’ve been performing at a high level, so getting that phone call was fantastic.”